how to change prius III 2010 air filter

open the clips, put a new one in /

 

Once the clips (2) are off, kind of lift the cover and pull it towards you. There are two latches along the back edge that you need to get clear of. Once that's done, just lift up: you need to flex it's hose connects a bit but you can raise it just enough to reach round, get the filter and lift/slide it out. Bottom is the dirty side IIRC.

If this is a first for you, I'd assume you haven't just looked at it before. I would get it out first and have a look. Depending on your locale and mileage it may not need changing yet. I'd be inclined to not use compressed air on the engine air filter*, just inspect, and re-install if if it's only marginally dirty. In that condition it has next to zero effect on performance or mpg.

* Cabin air filter, on the other hand, is not as critical: that one I wouldn't hesitate to clean with a brush and/or blast of air.

 

Dealer wanted $58 today for this. Any recommended alternatives? Thank you.

 

Check the price for just the filter at the dealership parts department. The filter looks to retail for $22, discounted to $14, on this site:

Air Intake for 2010 Toyota Prius | Toyota Parts

You could put one a "shopping basket", see how shipping goes.

 

Vacuuming works better and is less destructive.

 

I have air filters on all our (house) furnace return air inlets. Vacuuming is what I do, maybe a couple of times during heating season. Agree, very gentle easy to do.

Theoretically you're supposed to replace them yearly, but they look like new so I've had a set going over two years now. The regular filter stays very clean, with all the pre-filtering.

 

Its one of the videos from NutsAndBolts:

 

The only objection I have to that video, could be from the Scottish side of my family: I think he were to lay the old and new filters side-by-side, he'd never again no which is which, lol.